The Girl Who Said--Yes

The Girl Who Said—Yes!

“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?’

“Oh, I do, I do, I do!” And Joseph lifted the veil and kissed her tenderly!

Mary awakened. It was only a dream…a dream that would never happen. A dream  she said no to—the day she said yes to  God.

There would be no wedding dress, no bridesmaids, no

flowers…only whispers that suddenly hushed when Mary came near. And would Joseph desert her, mock her to his buddies? Maybe he’d find another girl who wasn’t pregnant, one with a sterling reputation. Who could blame him?

But Mary couldn't stop thinking of the angelic visit. It was spine tingling! “You shall have a baby

boy. Name Him Jesus. He is the long awaited Messiah, the Son of the living God. He will save His people from their sins. And all people will call you blessed and honorable!”

“How can this happen?  I’m not married. I’m a virgin.”

“The power of the Holy Spirit will pass over you and you will become pregnant. This is a miracle!”

Mary saw the glow of angel dust, felt the fire of God's holy breath cover her.

She had to follow —no matter

what.
She didn’t say, “Sorry. Find another sucker. I’m not going to do it. I’m just starting my life.  I have  rights!”

 She said yes!

 She had heard the stories of a long expected Messiah.

“Me? God chose me...to be the mother of his only son?”

 But God was with Mary. The angel came and Joseph believed. 
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem—and the shepherds believed.

Wise men brought lavish gifts from afar—and believed.

Even King Herod believed-- and tried to kill baby Jesus.

Before we called her the Blessed Mother, before the baby Jesus was known as the Savior, before the gossip ended Mary said,

"My soul gives glory to the Lord.”

Luke 1:46

Great people say yes to God.

                                Great people give Him glory.

                                                   Great people are remembered—forever! 
Dear Lord, I want to follow you, no matter what. I say, yes!

I Think I'll Go Eat Worms - Great Peoplel Give God Glory

                                 I Think I'll Go Eat Worms

“They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man. Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

Acts 12:23

King Herod primped in front of his favorite mirror while his servants arrayed him in royal silvery garments that glistened in the sun. “Oh, yeah, I’m the king. I’m the man.

And what do these rebellious nations think they can do to me? Sure they want peace… they want my resources. I'll give a  speech... that will bring their surrender."

Properly arrayed, properly situated on his throne, the pompous king strutted toward his podium. I’m good at making speeches. People always marvel. Brilliant, that’s what they say—brilliant!

So King Herod opened his mouth and it happened just as he planned.

The crowd listened with intensity and exclaimed in unison. “This is the voice of a god, not of a man." (Acts 12:23) 

As King Herod soaked in their praise, the angel of the Lord, struck him,down... worms ate his body... and he died! Can you believe that? Well as disgusting as it is...it really happened!

God had gifted this king to speak but the king thought the gift was his own. He didn’t need God. Why would he? He was born with a golden tongue. He was a natural.

No generation remembers King Herod with affection. He was a blustering windpipe enthralled with his position, his power, and his regalia!

Had the Almighty written him off without a chance to change? No, God doesn't operate that way.Herod had killed James the apostle, attempted to kill Peter another apostle of Jesus, and seen the miracles...all without a change of heart. 

In the end, a man, who refused to glorify God, a man thirsty for his own glory...died in shame.